Man rescued from blowhole in Cornwall

A man is recovering from serious injuries after falling 20 feet down a collapsed sea cave on the north coast of Cornwall, the Coastguard said.

The 56-year-old was exploring with a group when he tumbled to the bottom of the roundhole at Trevone, near Padstow, on Tuesday evening.

One of the group stuck with the stricken walker until a helicopter rescue team could winch him out and fly to Derriford Hospital.

Footage of the rescue, which lasted around three hours, was released by the coastguard - showing strong winds whipping the helicopter stretcher side to side as it was lowered down.

Phil Davies, of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said: "We always advise people not to attempt to self-rescue in these circumstances.

"This man's friend did exactly the right thing by just staying with him while the alarm was raised.

"It's also worth reminding people that while our coastline is beautiful, it can also be very dangerous.

"Weather conditions of late have meant cliff paths are slippery and in some places crumbling away. Make sure you're equipped for every eventuality if you are out and take extra care.

"As always, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you get into difficulty or you see someone else in trouble."

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